Customer Reviews

Acoustic Garden

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not sure what to make of John Diliberto's review, but I find nothing "choking the life out of" anything on this latest CD from Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel. Keyboards have complimented their compositions beautifully over the years, and listeners are treated to the strongly supportive sounds of three fine northwest pianists on several tracks. In a nutshell, fans of prior T&R CD's won't be dissappointed with Acoustic Garden as it bundles a generous harvest of highly addictive new melodies that are at once deeply rooted in Eric and Nancy's unique and graceful style and vibrant with newly explored themes. It's a veritable feast fit for any fan's appetite.

I first heard a cut from this album on a syndicated radio program a few weeks ago. When I went to purchase it, all copies had been sold out, which is not surprising as this is a beautifully, relaxing CD. After I was able to get a copy I found a wonderful collection of music to add to a growing library of contemporary instrumental titles.

Tingstad and Rumbel are well known for creating music that is peaceful, and Acoustic Garden is no different. I like the transition they have made incorporating more musicians...the piano gives their compositions a much richer, fuller sound. And there are some really beautiful moments with just the guitar.

Each cut on this album has its own distinct personality, which blends gracefully with every other piece. I have always appreciated the fact that Tingstad and Rumbel's music is original. The sound and the emotion it evokes is handmade and from the heart. It does not give way to the pretentious over-budgeted recordings that surround our society. It is pure, and it is simple.

The title of the album illustrates the pureness found in all of Tingstad and Rumbel's music. Just like taking a walk through your own garden, the vibrant colors strike you first, but you have to look much closer walking the paths to see the perfection in nature. Not every leaf is stunning , but without it, the plant would not look real. Tingstad and Rumbel's music is real, not a synthetic hybrid of commercialism.

Tingstad and Rumbel's music has become classic over the years. Like a well-built home, a well-designed garden or a fine bottle of wine, the music ages very well. These composers are not about flash in the pan commericalism - here one day and gone the next. Their music reflects value that can be shared with your children, the quiet honesty that allows people to feel at peace with themselves. These are the things LIFE is made of.

My family and I thoroughly enjoy this latest work from Tingstad and Rumbel. Yes, the music differs from their more recent albums, but within their new expression it is easy to identify these talented musicians. The group is not stagnant, and this should be applauded. We can enjoy their body of work, especially Acoustic Garden, while looking forward to what they may offer up next. And we can know it will be beautiful music.

Tingstad and Rumbel have left a legacy over the past 18 years that is unrivaled in their field of music. This year, Acoustic Garden won Best New Age album at the Grammy Awards--an acknowledgment long overdue. Acoustic Garden is one of their best albums, intertwining soft melodies with the mastery of Guitar, Oboe, and Ocarina. Some songs hint at sadness (Windows on the World), while others fantasy (Clear Moon, Quiet Winds), but all give the impression of two musicians who create their high standard of work as easily as breathing air.

Acoustic Garden is one of Tingstad and Rumbel's most polished albums. In combination with their own intimate styling, they have joined up with four pianists from the Puget Sound area: David Lanz, Jovino Neto, Nick Moore, and Tom Kelleck as well as usung the services of Garey Shelton on bass as well as the percussion talents of of Mark Ivester and Ben Smith. This mix and match approach produces one remarkable cut after another, making it no surprise that they walked away with the 2003 Grammy for new age music.

As usual, Nancy Rumbel is predominant. Sometimes I wish Tingstad would take a more active roll in performance, since he is an extremely skilled guitarist. But, as always, he is the most generous of musicians. Of course, Rumbel, an exceptionally fine English horn and oboe player fills the lead roll with great aplomb.

For all that this album is entitled Acoustic Garden, there really isn't a particular theme. Instead the collection is eclectic - a dash of Chopin (Les Jardins de Nohant), some Celtic work (Shamrock), some pure fun (Blue Martini), and a tender memoriam to those lost on 9/11 (Windows on the World). All this variety can't help but please the listener. Take the time to listen to it a bit and you will see what I mean.

Wow - what a beautiful garden of sounds. I bought the album without reading Mr. Dilberto's review which, except for the song title and artists references, does not sound as if it was written about this album. These artists have really hit the mark with what I think is their best album yet. I thoroughly enjoyed all the pianists' contributions, and the rhythms were just right for the tunes. This is an excellent album to play during a long drive, accompaniment to beautiful scenic vistas. With such wonderful melodies and arrangements, it will be played often!

I bought this CD based on commenter reviews (strangely all very positive) and frankly am very disappointed. After a half-dozen listenings not one track moves me -- in fact, to me they all sound about the same. Wife and I agree that this CD would be perfect for background music in a dentist's office. Sorry, I had hoped for a much better experience.

Nothing special. I expected more interesting, creative music. Musicianship OK but some of their other pieces on the radio were far better.

I have always enjoyed Tingstad & Rumbel. Their melodies are consistently pleasant and a wonderful way to unwind. Plus, where else are you going to find oboe/english horn or ocarina music? Acoustic Garden continues their tradition of beautiful music, however none of the pieces really stand up and grab me. "Blue Martini" has a nice light jazz feel, but nothing compared to the driving blues of "Big Weather" from In the Garden. "Havana" may have a Cuban rhythm, but "La Fogata" from Give and Take can really cut a rug.

This album is certainly worth getting, but not a quintessential work. Like a bouquet of daisies, it pleases but doesn't dazzle.

I love this CD. Very relaxing, beautiful, soothing music. Can't wait to buy more of their CD's!